Sweet cheese pie

# Wonderful Sweet Cheese Cake

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will indulge in a wonderful sweet cheese cake! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress friends at a gathering or treat your family to a delicious dessert. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, and the texture is a perfect balance between fluffy and creamy. Let’s get started!

A brief story

Cheese cakes have a rich history and are beloved in many cultures around the world. From refined cheesecakes to simple tarts, each variation brings with it a unique story and tradition. This sweet cheese cake is a modern reinterpretation of these classic desserts, adding a touch of innovation with the inclusion of turmeric, which not only enhances the color but also provides nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 240 g flour
- 250 g butter (minimum 82% fat), cold and cut into slices
- 140 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons cold milk
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of turmeric (for color)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 kg 150 g sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese)
- 275 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch

For dusting:
- Equal parts cornstarch and flour

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, add the cold sliced butter and sifted flour.
2. Add the sugar, egg, salt, baking powder, vanilla, and turmeric.
3. Pour in the cold milk and mix everything with your hands or a spatula until you obtain a smooth dough.
4. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. In another bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the sugar and mix well until it becomes a uniform mixture.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. Incorporate the vanilla, lemon zest, sour cream, and cornstarch. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. On a well-floured surface (use a combination of flour and cornstarch), divide the dough into 3 pieces: two equal pieces (approximately 275 g each) and one slightly larger piece (approximately 285 g).
3. Roll out the two equal pieces into thin sheets, using plenty of flour to prevent sticking. If you're having trouble, you can roll the sheets directly on the baking paper.
4. Place the first sheet in a greased and floured baking pan, then pour the cheese filling and spread it evenly.
5. Place the second sheet on top of the filling. If it breaks, don’t worry; you can fix it directly in the pan.
6. From the remaining dough, you can create decorations or, alternatively, make cookies or mini tarts.

Step 4: Baking

1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until it turns golden and firm to the touch.
2. Let it cool completely in the pan before cutting it to achieve perfect portions.

Step 5: Serving

1. Dust the cake with powdered sugar after it has cooled completely.
2. It can be served plain or with a berry sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Use quality sweet cheese to achieve a rich and creamy filling. Cold butter is essential for a flaky dough.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or almond extract to the filling. You can also substitute the sweet cheese with ricotta or mascarpone to change the texture.
- Storage: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the dough can be frozen for later use.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains protein from the cheese and eggs, making it a good source of calcium. Turmeric adds not only color but also anti-inflammatory properties. In moderate amounts, the sugar and fats from the butter contribute to the delicious taste, but it's best to enjoy the cake in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure to drain it well to avoid affecting the consistency of the filling.

What can I do with the leftover dough?
You can make cookies, mini tarts, or even a base for another cake.

How can I enhance the flavor?
Add fresh or dried fruits to the filling, such as raisins or sour cherries.

What drinks pair well with it?
This cake pairs wonderfully with fruit tea, fresh lemonade, or even a glass of sweet wine.

I’ll conclude on a personal note: this wonderful sweet cheese cake is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the result will always be a hit with everyone. Happy baking!